What would be the best way(s) to reproduce this ´wireframe mesh´ (see picture below) without having a ridiculous amount of vertices if possible?
If you still want to stick with real geometry ... in this example:

add cylinder, Loop cut Ctrl+R
Un-Subdivide = 1 (to get rhombus pattern)
Bevel Cmd / Ctrl+B
Invert Selection Crtl+I
Delete Faces

Modifiers

Array Modifier
Solidify Modifier &gt; Complex
Bevel Modifier &gt; Width
Curve Modifier


3000 vert for segment, 63000 vert for object


Sure in case of your example you would have to apply Array and there is nothing more you can save on poly-count. So if you are looking for something more lighter shader is your way.